Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.